"new" 650R for 2009

[swimmer]

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/detail.aspx?id=372&content=details

Looks like they've made some nice improvements with a focus to reducing some of the vibration issues.  New styling and instruments.  Still no ABS offered on US models.  They are bringing the naked version to the US next year as well.  Glad Kawasaki isn't being stagnate with this model.

[Dave the slave]

oooooHHHHH

Looks nice!

I thought this would be a great bike for around the town errands, it would look great next to my ZX10

Although I gotta say, I'm really happy the naked version is now available to the US market.  My wife had a SV650, but she always wanted the ER-N.... now she can have one!  

I think it's also noteworthy that Kawi is bringing in the Versys in 2 new colors.  I think this indicates the models is doing pretty well.

[J.R.]

wow, it gained over 45 pounds.  They must have done a lot of vibration dampening.

[Rincewind]

I'm pretty excited about that ER6-N - looks like a great little bike.  The 650R is looking a lot more aggressive than last years - not sure about that weight gain, though, that seems a bit odd.  It's good that they redid the 650R in light of the additional competition of the new Yami FZ6R and Suzi GS650F.

The Versys comes in a nice blue for 09.  

[DogBoy]

Nice update and I'm really glad to see the naked version.

Kawasaki also introduced a 250cc SuperMoto.  

[Hickey]

The features page says the 650R has new gauges too, including a fuel gauge.  Way to go Kawasaki!  The new bodywork is nice too.

[Hickey]

Anyone else notice they are bringing the naked 650R here too?

[Dave the slave]

The bikes didn't gain very much weight...

Instead they gained an ACTUAL wet weight listed.  Motorcycle-usa lists the 2006 Ninja 650 @ 410lbs without fuel.  It holds 4.1 gallons of fuel.  One gallon of fuel is ~6lbs.... so  4.1g x 6lbs = 24.6lbs... that makes it 434.6lbs for the 2006

Kawasaki lists the 2009 @ 440.9 lbs CURB weight

So MAYBE it gain 6lbs or maybe we can chalk this up to scale variability.

[Fav]

I like it  

and notice bike weights are starting to be listed with both dry and wet weights.

Who rides their bikes dry anyway  

[jadziadax8]

Looks cool.  I know a lot of people didn't like the original handlebars, but they never bother me.  I'm glad to see they updated the mirrors.  The ones on mine sucked until I put on the extenders.  A fuel gauge is nice, too.  The one thing I wish they would update and they didn't is the suspension.  Would it kill them to give it fully adjustable suspension like the Versys has?  That bike only costs $300 more.

I really like that Kawasaki is going out on a limb and expanding its product lines.  It seems to be working well for them.

[Jeff]

Kawasaki also introduced a 250cc SuperMoto.  

Not only a 250 SM, but a 250 SM that's nearly a grand cheaper than the Yamaha WR250X.

[swimmer]

Looks cool.  I know a lot of people didn't like the original handlebars, but they never bother me.  I'm glad to see they updated the mirrors.  The ones on mine sucked until I put on the extenders.  A fuel gauge is nice, too.  The one thing I wish they would update and they didn't is the suspension.  Would it kill them to give it fully adjustable suspension like the Versys has?  That bike only costs $300 more.

I really like that Kawasaki is going out on a limb and expanding its product lines.  It seems to be working well for them.

I read on the features part of the website that they did make suspension improvements but I don't know what that means.  I put lower bars on my 650R and I think it was a big improvement for me.

[J.R.]

The bikes didn't gain very much weight...

Instead they gained an ACTUAL wet weight listed.  Motorcycle-usa lists the 2006 Ninja 650 @ 410lbs without fuel.  It holds 4.1 gallons of fuel.  One gallon of fuel is ~6lbs.... so  4.1g x 6lbs = 24.6lbs... that makes it 434.6lbs for the 2006

Kawasaki lists the 2009 @ 440.9 lbs CURB weight

So MAYBE it gain 6lbs or maybe we can chalk this up to scale variability.

Ahh, I see that now.  That other 6 pounds could be the oil and coolant.

[maddjack]

Anyone else notice they are bringing the naked 650R here too?

good price too

[Dave the slave]

Anyone else notice they are bringing the naked 650R here too?

Yep, I noticed... that was my reference to the ER-N in my post earlier.  I think these look like really fun bikes for around town.

I gotta admit Big K has got my attention this year.  I like the updated Ninja 650, the Green Versys (hated the red) and the newly available to the USA ER-6n.  I'm a "big power" kinda guy, lots of liter bikes and GT bikes in my past, but damn if these sure do appeal to me!  

Hmmmm, let's see.... sell my ZX10R plus take the money for the FJR I want and I can buy ALL THREE!!

[chimera]

Want a 650r in the worst way.

I don't really see a styling difference though?  

[Jeff]

Want a 650r in the worst way.

I don't really see a styling difference though?  

Totally different headlight

[Giaka]

Totally different headlight

I give them   on that change too.

[spinalator]

I may be kicked in the balls for this, but it looks sort of Honda-ish from the front.

I like it though. There was a used one for 5 grand 5 minutes away and I was going to get it instead of a furnace for the house. Sigh...

[JoBu]

I like the updates they did to the bike.  They didn't try to reinvent the wheel but simply addressed a few niggling faults and updated the styling.  Nice job, Kawi!!    

It is also nice to see the ER-6n over here.  Isn't the SV-650 line-up due for an update?  If so, this should make for some interesting comparisons.

Cheers,

Joe

[Kiwi]

I like the fairing update and the addition of a gas gauge, but I can't stand the new gauge cluster. I've never been a fan of digital tachometers or speedometers, I find analog gauges much easier to read when I'm moving. Other than that, it's a nice update to the bike. I think I'll stick my '07 though.

[Phenix_Rider]

I like the fairing update and the addition of a gas gauge, but I can't stand the new gauge cluster. I've never been a fan of digital tachometers or speedometers, I find analog gauges much easier to read when I'm moving. Other than that, it's a nice update to the bike. I think I'll stick my '07 though.

I feel the same way.  Did you notice they removed the 650R badging?  I think their aiming more at the supersport wannabe ricky racer noobs by making it look like the 10R and giving it digital gauges.  That's not what I wanted- still isn't.  If I were looking to buy now, I'd have a hard time finding a Kawi I like.  The -6n is the only one that appeals at all.  

[Dave the slave]

I think the new 650 looks like a great bike.  Style is always subjective, but I really like the new styling of the fairing.  I'm being very tempted by the green one.  Looks like a great commuter/grocery getter!

I guess I could try to pick up an 08 in green too.... hmmmmmm

[Cricket1]

I like the fairing update and the addition of a gas gauge, but I can't stand the new gauge cluster. I've never been a fan of digital tachometers or speedometers, I find analog gauges much easier to read when I'm moving. Other than that, it's a nice update to the bike. I think I'll stick my '07 though.

Anyone have a link to pics of the gauge cluster? The Kawi website doesn't show it.

[DogBoy]

Anyone have a link to pics of the gauge cluster? The Kawi website doesn't show it.

Not a close-up but here is one view. (I know its a weak image.)

[jadziadax8]

Not a close-up but here is one view. (I know its a weak image.)

Digital?  Yuck!

[Phenix_Rider]

Digital?  Yuck!

yep.  
I'm amazed there's no lap timer.  Of course, they did add a gear indicator- which all the little kids on the 650R forums were complaining about.

[Dave the slave]

yep.  
I'm amazed there's no lap timer.  Of course, they did add a gear indicator- which all the little kids on the 650R forums were complaining about.

Gear indicators are nice.  I'm adding one to my ZX10...

[Phenix_Rider]

Gear indicators are nice.  I'm adding one to my ZX10...

Must be a lazy rider thing.  One quick look at the gauges is all it takes to know what gear your in- heck, I can usually tell just by the sound/feel.  There's really no point on the track either- if you redline you're too low, if you're below the powerband you're too high.

[Dave the slave]

Must be a lazy rider thing.  One quick look at the gauges is all it takes to know what gear your in- heck, I can usually tell just by the sound/feel.  There's really no point on the track either- if you redline you're too low, if you're below the powerband you're too high.

Well I am going to take issue with this....  I am not a Lazy rider.  Plus I have had 16+ Liter bikes and GT bikes.  I've been riding for 25+ years.  And frankly it's not a bad thing to have a nice little gear indicator on your dash to tell you what gear you're in...  My 2005 GSXR1000K5 was the first bike I ever had that had a gear indicator and it was darn nice to have sometimes.  I'm standing by that comment.

One quick look is all it takes?  At 100mph on my bike 300rpm seperate 5th and 6th gear.  Now go ride 100mph coming into a quick decreasing radius turn and tell me by feel exactly what gear you're in...

edited to add that 150mph only 500rpm seperate 5th and 6th.  Have you ever BEEN 150mph?  Trust me when I say there is a LOT of *other* stuff going on with the bike.

[Dobieman]

And frankly it's not a bad thing to have a nice little gear indicator on your dash to tell you what gear you're in...  

+1 I love it on my K8 Busa

[Cricket1]

I think a gear indicator is a nice addition. Lots of times I reach for seventh on the Sprint.

[Johnny Monsoon]

I think a gear indicator is a nice addition. Lots of times I reach for seventh on the Sprint.

I'm with you, but on the opposite side of the spectrum.  I'd often find myself in 4th or 5th on my XX on the highway because it was so smooth.  From an economy standpoint, the indicator could save a lot of gas and wear and tear.

[tourinoob]

Anyone else notice they are bringing the naked 650R here too?

Love it!! Look like a Super Duke!! Good Job kawi!

[Cricket1]

Anyone come up with a close up shot of the instrument panel??

[Phenix_Rider]

Anyone come up with a close up shot of the instrument panel??

'09 650R   Yuck

[Fav]

Bet that's fun to read in the sun    Why does Kawi use those hard to read instrument panels ?

[Tar Snake]

I really like both versions. I hope per the picture that the headlights on the faired version both light on low beam. I don't care for the one-eyed look. I also like that it comes in Kawasaki green

As for the instruments at 1st I didn't think I'd like the digital speedo on my Sprint RS, but I've come to prefer it over an analog gauge. I'm sure I could get used to it.

Anyway, the 650 looks like a really nice bike that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg.

[Fav]

Digital Speedo is one thing..... but digital Tachs are harder to read.